Dr. Bednar is the executive director and research project lead within the Neuroscience Research Unit at Pfizer, Inc., and is a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He has more than 20 years of experience in leadership roles in both academia and pharmaceutical drug development.
After attending Salesian High School in New York, Dr. Bednar received his B.S degree in biology from the State University of New York. He earned an M.D. degree and a Ph.D. degree in cardiovascular pharmacology from New York Medical College as its first double doctoral candidate. His research on the role of inflammation in myocardial infarction led to the discovery of the third pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism in white blood cells that produces compounds that function as potent anti-inflammatory agents.
Following a residency in neurosurgery at the University of Vermont, Dr. Bednar was appointed to the faculty at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, where he focused on the surgical and medical treatment of cerebrovascular disease. He was appointed vice chair of surgery and section head of the surgical research laboratories.
Dr. Bednar has authored over 75 peer-reviewed publications on mechanisms related to traumatic brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and its emergence following surgery, the role of cardiac QT interval in drug development and the relationship of healthcare professionals and the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Bednar holds a number of patents for neurodegeneration and cardiovascular therapeutics. He is the recipient of the Pfizer Performance Award for the clinical development of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. He was elected to Pfizer’s Think Science Now 100, representing Pfizer’s most inspiring science and medical professionals. He also serves on the Interdisciplinary Advisory Board of the Stem for Life Foundation and represents Pfizer on the Private Partner Scientific Board for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. He has also authored two children’s books.